Is Banksy mural vandalism or art? You decide (From Sutton Guardian)

Is Banksy Croydon-Beddington mural vandalism or art? You decide

6:30am Tuesday 6th October 2009 in News By Julia Kennard

Is Banksy Croydon-Beddington mural vandalism or art? You decide

The fate of a guerrilla mural by graffiti artist Banksy hangs in the balance as the public are asked to decide whether it should be scrubbed or preserved.

The satirical image features a punk standing next to a cardboard box marked IEAK apparently reading instructions on how to put together a graffiti slogan.

Sutton Council’s two dedicated street cleansing teams are normally ready to pounce on any graffiti as soon as it is reported.

But the mural, which features on the world-famous street artist’s official website, has left the council scratching its head.

On this occasion the council have chosen to ask residents whether the image near superstore Ikea on Coomber Way, on the border of Croydon and Beddington, should be removed or left.

Executive member for environment Councillor Colin Hall said: “We have dedicated teams in Sutton that remove graffiti on a daily basis.

“It’s hugely antisocial and something that we work quickly to eradicate.

“However, we know people hold strong views on Banksy’s work with some seeing it as art while others view it as vandalism.

“We will therefore be keeping an open mind on this and await feedback from the public before deciding what to do with the wall.”

Earlier this month a mural by Banksy, which once featured on the cover of a single by rock band Blur, was painted over by Hackney Council.

The spoof image of the Royal Family, painted on the side of a building in Stoke Newington was partially covered with black paint.

People can email their views to artorgraffiti@sutton.gov.uk.

Vote online at suttonguardian.co.uk Banksy or bust?

FOR AND AGAINST YES Matt Frith, partner and owner of Frith Frames, which specialises in picture framing, restoration and has a small on-site art gallery, said it was “awesome” to have a Banksy work in Sutton.

Mr Frith, 39, said: “His work is known all over the world, he is one of the most famous British artists. People tear their legs off to get a Banksy, they can sell for up to £250,000.

“Some people are scared of graffitti, they think it is all hoodies and tags, but really they represent something very different, they can be educational and reflect a political view.

“This could be a huge tourist draw for Sutton, it’s a massive tribute.”

AGAINST Conservative Opposition Leader on Sutton Council, Councillor Paul Scully, said: “One man’s artwork is another man’s graffiti.

“However, spray-paint vandalism which no resident has asked for is not artwork.

“Our State of Sutton report shows graffiti of any kind to be a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

“Studies show 62 per cent of residents feel their area has declined as a result of antisocial behaviour, with well over a third saying environmental cleanliness has got worse.

“The Liberal Democrat-run council needs to get off the fence before Banksy sprays it.”

BANKSY WHO?

• Banksy is the Scarlet Pimpernel of modern art, so adept at keeping his identity a mystery that even his own agent has said he is not sure.

• Believed to be from Yate, near Bristol, Banksy’s artworks are often satirical pieces on topics such as politics, culture, and ethics.

• His work has appeared in cities around the world and was born out of the Bristol underground scene – collaboration between art and music.

• Some of Banksy’s pieces have fetched a high price. In 2007, a picture of pensioners bowling with bombs sold for £102,000.

• In November 2006, a gang of thieves dressed as council workmen attempted to steal a Banksy piece painted on the door of a building in Liverpool.

• On June 13, 2009, the Banksy UK Summer show opened at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, featuring more than 100 works of art.

• What do you think? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a comment below.